3 Tips on How to Find Your Perfect Reading Glasses

Here's a wonderful guest post on selecting reading glasses, which many of us, er, older readers will find useful.  Thanks to Stacie Grissom of Reading Glasses Shopper for writing such a useful article.

I've always been a lifelong glasses-wearer, but it wasn't until a few years ago when they started to bother me. The summer before I left for college, something in my eyes just switched and it was impossible for me to wear my contacts anymore. My eyes itched and burned and I couldn't bear to wear anything other than my glasses. At first I was a little bummed. I know the bookish and nerdy stereotypes that people associate with the bespectacled portion of the population and I didn't want to be categorized like that. (Even if I have read all the Harry Potter books at least 5 times and always completed the summer reading challenge at my local library.) :)

Recently, my mom has had a bit of trouble with her vision as well. After countless experiences in the grocery store where she would hold up an product and ask, "What's this say?" I finally convinced her that she needed some help in the vision department. Between my personal experience with glasses, helping my mom find reading glasses, and my day job as a writer for Reading Glasses Shopper, I feel as though I have a few glasses tips up my sleeve.

1. Find a pair of glasses that you love. Your glasses have to fit your personality for you to love them. I have had some glasses in the past that I liked alright, but I didn't love them. Now I have clear classes and I think they are the best. Glasses are something that you could potentially wear every day. Choose a good pair.

(My clear glasses and I.)

Tip 2: Choose glasses in colors that look good on you.
Because you wear glasses on y our face, (not to point out the obvious or anything) you should really think about the colors that look good against your skin tone and choose glasses that are flattering. Ehow has a really great article on finding your skin tone season so that you can make sure you don’t wear a pair of glasses that make you seem pale or washed out.


3. Figure out which strength of reading glasses you need.
Contrary to what you might think, you do not have to go to the eye doctor to figure out your reading glasses prescription. You can if you'd like, but there is a much easier way to figure out reading glasses’ prescriptions with this print-out diopter chart. These charts are also in drugstores if you want to try on reading glasses there to figure out if you need 1.25 glasses or 3.00 glasses.


I hope this helps! :)

Stacie Grissom is a writer for Reading Glasses Shopper where she writes about everything from how to fix your reading glasses to reading glasses myths. In her spare time, Stacie loves to read, write for her DIY craft blog, and play with her yellow Labrador, Bridget.

Amazon's Lending Library

There are a lot of people unhappy with Amazon's latest move - it's highly touted "Lending Library."  The "Big Six" publishers have refused to go along with this program which, in large part, appears to be a giveaway to Amazon's customers.  What benefit does the publisher get?  Not a lot.  The latest group to voice their distaste is the Author's Guild.  They've posted a great article about the mess on their site.  Read and learn more!

Author Interview with A.H. Cameron Strother

Today we're talking with A.H. Cameron Strother, author of Cheers to Life: True to Myself


FQ: What made you want to write this book? Do you believe in this world, as it is today, that inspiration is what is truly missing?


I wrote Cheers to Life – True to Myself because I believe it’s very important to be comfortable with self and to trust our inner voice. The book explores the concept that when we can’t find inspiration from others, it’s because it is actually within our own heart. When I wrote Cheers to Life – True to Myself, my goal was to intimately explore the topic of what it means to savor life’s journey by being true to self. This is an evolution that each of us must explore – and sometimes the journey is very lonely. In a world where uncertainty has become the norm, Cheers to Life – True to Myself encourages readers to engage in inner dialogue, to pause and make peace with the past, and move forward to a brighter future with positive energy.

Author A.H. Cameron Strother

Often we are consumed with so many multi-tasking activities that we don’t take time to celebrate life’s priceless moments. Life’s emergencies take over and we become victimized by a routine of fixing yet another crisis. In Cheers to Life – True to Myself, I remind readers that we are indeed in charge of our own destiny. The affirmations and passages in Cheers to Life – True to Myself encourages readers to hear their own voice above all of society’s noise, and to embrace this unique sound because once you clearly hear your own voice, it will open the door to inner peace.


FQ: I know you received a Master of Arts degree, is your “message” - meditation and really concentrating on self-worth - a major mission of yours?

Yes, I agree with that statement. I earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in the field of Business. I earned both while working full time and as a doctoral candidate, I juggled work hours, marriage, raising children, and pets. My message is that we must turn thoughts into actions. We must be willing to make sacrifices to achieve goals. Obstacles should be managed as temporary detours – not permanent roadblocks. The decision to enforce positive change involves deep levels of commitment and fortitude. It’s about making a personal commitment to being the person you are destined to be – and not allowing anyone to stand in the way of your accomplishments. Cheers to Life – True to Myself challenges readers to follow through on aspirations and goals, so they are empowered to live a life of purpose.


FQ: There was a brief mention of your manufacturing company operating in the gourmet coffee industry. Can you tell readers a little more about that?

In my career, I have worked for a number of large corporations and I’ve always been employed in the manufacturing sector. My coffee company, TruBlend Café (www.trublendcafe.com) is a distribution company that my husband and I started after a trip to Costa Rica where we met several growers and coffee farm owners. TruBlend Café sells gourmet quality Arabica coffees from various parts of the world: Ethiopia, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Australia, and Costa Rica – to name a few. Most of our coffees are roasted in South Carolina and this includes the African coffees. For current offerings and to stay updated, please check our website www.trublendcafe.com. (Editor's note: Cheers to Life: True to Myself is also listed on the TruBlend Café site at: www.trublendcafe.com/Inspirational.)


FQ: Can you tell us a bit about your time at Eastside High School? I am aware that this school was portrayed in a movie and was introduced to the public in a slightly “bad” way.

I was raised in Paterson, New Jersey and was enrolled in the public school system. I graduated from Eastside High School (EHS). Eastside High School is located in the inner city of Paterson and as a result, many resources are not as readily available as they are in more suburban areas. The school became famous when Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. distributed a biographical film (1989) that was based on true events at EHS. The film was “Lean on Me” and suddenly EHS was cast on the world stage as a dysfunctional educational institution. Because I am a product of Eastside High School, I must say that my urban experiences helped to mold me to become the person I am today. I beg to question, if I graduated from a different high school or a different environment, would I be as passionate as I am today?

Memories of Eastside High will always be a motivating force in my life. In the introduction of Cheers to Life – True to Myself, I reflected on a defining moment of my teen years: When my high school guidance counselor told me that my future would not require a college education. As a 14-year old, I didn’t fully understand the enormity of the counselor’s comments; however her words burned in my youthful mind. As an adult, I still think about the impact and volatility of those words. Through the passages in Cheers to Life – True to Myself, I send a strong message that despite what the world places in your corner, you must always have confidence in yourself. Yes, some will doubt your abilities. Be well advised because you must remember that you are in charge of your destiny. Your challenge is to stay focused. Choose to move forward. It is your decision.


FQ: Is inspirational writing something that you will be doing more of in the future?


Yes, I plan to release more inspirational titles as eBook and traditional print books. I enjoy writing and many people can relate to my passages, meditations, and daily affirmations. My books are designed to be ideal for people of all age groups – as young as teen-agers to those that are senior citizens. Because inspiration is universal, the book’s designs are very neutral. Likewise, the colors are not feminine, nor masculine. Cheers to Life – True to Myself was designed in a manner that would appeal to a wide range of people.


FQ: Encouragement in this very harsh world is hard to find. What with the war, the economy, jobless rates - there isn’t a great deal to CHEER about for many people. Can you tell us what motivates you or helps you to stay so positive and optimistic?

"Smokey-Blue" - one of the author's cats

All of us endure periods where we struggle to be positive or optimistic. The problem occurs when we are unable to detach from negativity; when we become so consumed by problems that we begin to lose our own identity. Sometimes we are surrounded by so much adversity that we forget that we have received the gift of “life,” and this life – this experience should be cherished. Life is priceless and when we disconnect from material things, we can start the journey to healing the inner heart. By focusing on what truly brings inner contentment, you will be sustained because you will find peace.


FQ: This book’s mission is a very real and much-needed one. Have you any interest to move forward into holding seminars or public speaking events that would bring your “voice” to the masses?


I look forward to participating in speaking engagements and I also have an interest in working with smaller groups – just simply sharing information and expounding on different ideas. My belief is that we can learn more from others if we simply allow ourselves to be open to the experience; if we are willing to remove barriers and stereotypes that we’ve grown up with. Quite frankly, sometimes we create barriers where none should exist.

To learn more about Cheers to Life: True to Myself please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.

Reviewer's Tip - Who is Your Publisher/Printer?

This is really a marketing tip, not a reviewing tip, but what the heck, I'll put it under our regular column name.

I've just returned from a 3-day book signing at a large (100,000 people over 4 days) annual event.  I attend every year and have a regular following there - which is always nice.  I sell a LOT of books.  I'm not bragging, but rather making a point.  The reason I mention this is because I've done my homework and found events that are targeted to my reading audience.  While at this signing, I had two authors visit me at my booth, authors who had been sent to me by people who knew me/knew of my success. 

These two authors had both self-published but were not enjoying robust sales.  The reason?  Both needed to study their market/niche to get a better feel for where to sell their books, but more importantly, both books were priced too high.  And the reason they were priced high?  Both authors had used AuthorHouse to print their books.  This vanity (or subsidy) press is not a true printer but rather a "publisher" with a very high cost to book ratio.  One author didn't understand the difference between "Publisher" and "Printer" while the other was simply anxious to learn how I printed my books so inexpensively (compared to her).  She thought it was a secret, that these inexpensive printers were hidden from self-publishers.  Her 80 page book cost her $10/book to print!  Gulp!  How on earth can you sell these books and a) get anyone to pay what you have to sell them for and b) make anything remotely resembling a profit?

I gave both authors a quick lesson on how to find "real" book printers, how to get a quote, what sort of print runs they needed to get the price down and sent them on their way.  Hopefully their next books/print runs will do much better.  The lesson?  Do you homework BEFORE you print your book!

Monday Morning Introductions

Here's a sample of the books that came in for review this week.  Check them out!

Arcadia

Arizona: Way Out West & Wacky Highlights of Arizona's history are punctuated with true but gross, humorous, interesting and wacky stories and facts about the Grand Canyon State. Readers learn: What Geronimo and yawning have in common. Why sleeping in wet sheets didn t mean you had a nighttime accident. What a glass eye has to do with Phoenix being Arizona s state capital How many teachers it would take standing head-to-toe to go from the bottom to the top of the Grand Canyon. Which Arizona city got its name by accident and much, much more! But it takes more than amusing writing and fascinating facts to keep children's attention, so the AZ WOWW award-winning creative team added word searches, crossword puzzles, coloring pages, recipes, crafts and more to the mix.

Inside the Jewish Bakery: Recipes and Memories from the Golden Age of Jewish Baking More than a collection of recipes, Inside the Jewish Bakery chronicles the history and traditions as well as the distinctive baked goods of Ashkenazic Jewry in Eastern Europe and America. Drawing on sources as diverse as the Talmud, Sholom Aleichem and the yizkor books that memorialize communities destroyed in the Holocaust, the authors have crafted an engaging edible history that endows their recipes with a powerful sense of time and place.

Green Eggs and Ham!

There's an upcoming auction event that is providing the public the opportunity to bid on 3 original drawings from the one and only Dr. Seuss. The winner of this package will receive original drawings of “A Few Green Eggs and Ham for You,” “Cat in the Hat,” and “One Old Fish.” 

This package is up for grabs thanks to The Moyer Foundation and their Dream Catchers event on November 11, 2011. Throughout this event The Moyer Foundation will auction off once in a lifetime ‘dreams’ which are catered towards those seeking exclusive opportunities in sports, travel and entertainment. Although the event is physically taking place in New York City, Dr. Seuss enthusiasts across the country can bid for the items online through charitybuzz.com/auctions/themoyerfoundation.

Charitybuzz.com will be open for people to place their bids, bid increments, and maximum bids until noon on the day of the event. At the event that evening, a representative from charitybuzz.com will participate in the live auction on behalf of the online bidders. 

Another opportunity art fan will appreciate is up for auction in The Moyer Foundation’s Super Silent Auction. The auction is offering original artwork of “Snoopy” and “Chuck on the Mound” from Charles Schulz (all artwork signed by Charles Schulz). The Super Silent Auction items are available online prior to the event at their maximum bid price. (http://www.moyerfoundation.org/events/event_dreamcatchers.aspx)


Dr. Seuss Original Artwork
With 46 published children’s books, it’s hard to not grow up or be influenced by the creative and imaginative writer, poet and cartoonist Dr. Seuss. His most celebrated bookings including; Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Horton Hears a Who and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, have been recreated into television specials, feature films, and Broadway musicals—allowing the joy and lessons from his books to continue through the generations. Taking home three (3) original and one-of-a-kind Dr. Seuss drawings will forever capture the brilliance and imagination of these cherished stories.

Dream Includes:
•Dr. Seuss "A Few Green Eggs and Ham for you" original marker drawing on paper
•Dr. Seuss "Cat in the Hat" original pencil and crayon drawing on paper
•Dr. Seuss "One Old Fish" original black marker drawing on paper


Super Silent Auction item –

Charles Schulz Original Artwork
Charles Schulz "Snoopy" original black in drawing on paper. Charles Schulz "Churck on the Mound" original character pencil drawing on paper. All artwork signed by Charles Schulz.

Value: $ 4,400

Winter Wonderland

Totally off topic, but wow!  Here in Massachusetts, we got slammed with snow over the weekend.  First, on Thursday, we got about 3 inches of the white stuff.  And it DIDN'T melt!!!   Then Saturday afternoon, it began to snow, snow, snow.  We were at the last horse show of the season and it was the first time I've ever heard the organist play "Let It Snow" during a show.  Eee-gads - it came down heavy!  Our usual 50 minute ride home from the show took 2 hours.  There were cars off the road everywhere.  The power went out a few hours later and as of now (Monday afternoon), it's still not on.  Fortunately, we have two big generators for our property so we're all set.  Others around us are not so lucky.  Lines at gas stations (those that are actually open) are loooooong.  Power lines are down everywhere.  The grocery store was on generator power, with about 50% of their lights off, food going bad fast.  What an odd situation here in New England.  Here's hoping you're in a warmer, less snow-infested place.

It's in the 40s today so hopefully the snow will melt soon.  Just in time for winter to start in earnest.

This is after Thursday's light snow.  Add 2 feet on top of this!